Rotary pressing machine



Sept. 26, 1961 w. M. TURNER ETAL ROTARY PRESSING MACHINE Filed Sept. 12,1958 4 Sheets-Sheet l 79 3 FIG. I

f 755 4 If INVENTORS WILLIAM M. TURNER DONALD E. LUCIUS ATTORNEY 4Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 12, 1958 STEAM PRESS I64 I I Il um!"CONDENSATE RETURN 1 3 M I 7 w; I mo I m I I II H I\ .II 1 I II I Z I h Il I I I I 9 I- I l 6 0 I 8 6 9 I I I w 9 w "W" 1 m [m 5 4 2 3 5B 9 B wwii 8 6 m 9 w I E 7 m hee INVENTORS WILLIAM M. TURNER DONALD B. LUCIUSATTORNEY Sept. 26, 1961 Filed Sept. 12, 1958 W. M. TURNER ETAL ROTARYPRESSING MACHINE 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTORS WILLIAM M. TURNER DONALD B.LUOIUS ATTORNEY Sept. 26, 1961 Filed Sept. 12, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 4INVENTORS WILLIAM M. TURNER DONALD B. LUCIUS ATTORNEY w. M. TURNER ET AL3,001,304 ROTARY PRESSING MACHINE United States PatentOfiFice 3&0 1,304Patented Sept. 26, 196i 3,001,304 RQTARY PRESSING MACHlNE William M.Turner, Excelsior, and Donald E. Lucius,

Bloomington, Minn, assignors to The Unipress Company, Minneapolis, Minn,a corporation of Minnesota Filed Sept. 12, 1958, Ser. No. 760,777 17Claims. (Cl. 38-5) This invention relates to improvements in rotarypressing machines of the type having a plurality of individual pressesmounted on a platform of low elevation which is arranged to be rotatedon a vertical axis. Such pressing machines are exemplified in Patent2,669,044 and various other patents of the prior art. In particular thisinvention relates to an improved rotary gland and manifold structure forfluidly connecting stationary fluid lines to the fluid lines of theindividual presses.

All modern pressing machines of this type and as exemplified in theaforementioned patent and other patcuts of the prior art utilizeseparate individual presses of the type having steam heated pressingheads and usually also have steam heated bucks. The mechanism in eachpress for moving the head against the buck for pressing is almost alwaysan air motor which is controlled automatically by rotation of the commonplatform on which the pressers are collectively mounted. Commonly a pipehaving a rotary gland connected thereto is aligned coaxially with theaxis of rotation of the platform and compressed air is conductedtherethrough to the rotary platform and thence to the individual pressesthereon so as to serve as an air supply of each press. Controls for eachpress are provided for automatically and appropriately valving the airsupply of each press, as it is carlied on the platform to accomplishactuation of each press to and hour a closedposition as the presses aremoved through a circular path of motion by said platform. In addition,according to the prior art practice, steam is conducted to and steamcondensate is returned from the rotary platform through pipes, eachhaving a rotary gland and arranged coaxially in respect to the axis ofrotation of said platform. The necessity for coaxial alignment of suchplurality of pipes and rotary glands for conducting the working fluids(air, steam and condensate) to and from the individual presses mountedon the rotary frame and for control of one such fluid for operatingmaintenance that are not always easily solved, some of said being setforth hereinafter. In addition, the use of aforementioned structure hasrequired the use of expensive rotary glands.

While the foregoing design requirements of the prior art rotary pressescan, in many cases, be fulfilled satisfactorily it has been found inmany instances diificulties are encountered; particularly in respect tothe larger diameter steam and condensate return glands which usuallyoperate at higher temperatures, especially in respect to steam line.Further it has been found that difficulties have been encountered in theprovision of fluid distributing means for receiving the fluid from thesupply line and then distributing it to the plurality of presses whichare mounted on said platform. Additionally it has been found thatmutilation to the nonflexible tubes connecting the rotary glandstructure to the rotary presses and to the rotary gland means occursrelatively frequently.

It is an object of this invention to solve the aforemen tioned problemsby providing an improved rotary pressing machine wherein air and otheroperating fluids are con ducted through manifold, rotary gland anddistributing means to the individual presses. It is a further object ofthis invention to provide improved combined rotary gland and manifoldmeans for conducting the operating fluids to and from the appropriatestationary main pipes and distribute and collect fluids tary presses.

A still further object of this invention is to provide an improvedrotary gland and manifold structure for rotary pressing machines tofurnish the necessary concentricity and to take up the eccentricity ofthe stationary fluid connections relative to the individual pressconnecting lines that are carried on the rotary frame in order to obtainmaximum life and performance from the installation. The aforementionedrotary gland and manifold structure is to be relatively inexpensive tomanufacture and install.

It is an additional object of this invention to provide a facility inrotary pressing machines wherein the stationary operating fluid pipesare connected to appropriate fluid channels in the rotary gland andmanifold means for distributing fluids to the individual presses, therebeing a line having a flexible portion that fluidly connects each fluidchannel to an appropriate manifold. It is another object of thisinvention to provide a rotary pressing machine wherein compressed airand steam are received from stationary supply lines and conducted toappropriate rotating distributing means to be delivered to and from theindividual presses, said means including a rotary gland having coaxialsteam and condensate return channels formed therein which are fluidlyconnected to said distributing means by short U-shaped line having aflexible member therein.

It is another object of this invention to provide a ro tary pressingmachine wherein air is conducted from a stationary supply line through arotary gland and doughnut shaped manifold means to be distributed to theindividual rotating presses. Still another object of this invention isto provide an improved rotary pressing machine wherein air and otheroperating fluids are conducted from a supply pipe through manifolddistributing means to the individual presses, there being a flexible anda rotary connection between the supply line and said manifolddistributing means.

Still another objective of this invention is to provide an improvedrotary pressing machine wherein the turntable and the track securedthereto rotate and the means on which the track rotates are stationarilymounted. The aforementioned means hold the track above the base on whichthe machine is mounted so that the steam and condensate return lines maybe placed on the base to extend beneath the turntable and the track topass between the means for rotatably supporting the track above thebase.

Still a further objective of this invention is to provide a rotarypressing machine wherein the stationary fluid pipes are passed throughthe track on which the wheels that rotatably support the machine run andare above flood level to to be connected to appropriate pivot structuremounted on said floor.

Other and further objects are those inherent in the invention hereinillustrated, described in the claims, and will be appearing as thedescription proceeds.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, this inventionthen comprises features hereinafter fully described and particularlypointed out in the claims, the following description setting forth indetail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention, these beingindicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which theprinciples of the invention may be employed.

The invention is illustrated by reference to the drawings in which thecorresponding numerals refer to the same part and in which: t

FIGURE 1 is a schematic plan View of a representative type of pressingmachine embodying the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a schematic vertical section view taken from the individualro- 3 along the line and in the direction of the arrows 2-2 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical view of the rotary glandand manifold means mounted in a rotary pressing machine, a portion ofsaid view being shown in section;

FIGURE 4 is a plan view of the rotary gland and manifold means which isillustrated in FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged, vertical sectional view of the rotary gland,said view being taken along the line and looking in the direction of thearrows 5-5 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view of the rotary glandand manifold means, said view being taken along the line and in thedirection of the arrows 22 of FIGURE 1 to show a plan view of the airmanifold;

FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view of the rotary glandand manifold means, said view being taken along the line and in thedirection of the arrows 77 of FIGURE 3 to show a plan view of the steammanifold;

FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary horizontal section view of the rotary glandand manifold means similar to FIG- URE 7, said view being taken alongthe line and looking in the direction of the arrows 8-8 of FIGURE 3 toshow a plan view of the condensate return manifold;

FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary vertical view, partly in schematic, of amodified embodiment of this invention, said view showing a rotary framehaving a rotary track mounted above the floor level to rotate on fixedlypositioned Wheels and over steam and condensate lines running along thefloor beneath the rotary frame;

FIGURE 10 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view of themodified embodiment shown in FIG URE 9, said view being taken along theline and looking in the direction of the arrows lltllltl of FIGURE 9 toillustrate the structure for rotatably supporting the rotary frame andtrack above the floor.

In general it may be stated that rotary pressing machines of the type ofwhich the present invention is an improvement consist of a rotaryturntable of low elevation that is adapted to be placed upon the floorand upon which there are mounted a plurality of individual pressingmachines. The individual presses may be the laundry or garment pressingtype and may have the same or different type of bucks and heads orinterchangeable bucks and heads for pressing the same or differentportions of garment or laundry items. While rotary press- 1ng machinesof this type maybe built as a unitary structure, for ease of manufactureand reduction in cost it has been found that ordinary individual airdriven, steam heated, pressing machines of a design that are normallymounted directly on a floor may be used to advantage, such individualpressing machines being mounted in regularly spaced relationship aroundthe periphery of the rotary turntable. In such mechanical organization,the presses are rotated one at a time in front of an operator station.At or slightly ahead of the operator station, the press is automaticallycontrolled by its rotary movement so as to actuate the press to an openpress position and the operator may, without moving from her position,remove the pressed garment and lay an unpressed garment on the buck.Usually the rotation of the pressing machine rotary platform iscontinuous (but it may be operator-controlled), the removal of thepressed garment and replacement of the unpressed garments on the bucksof the several presses being effected while each press moves at itsregular pace in succession through the operators station. Then as eachpress of the pressing machine progresses in succession along its rotarypath of motion it reaches a position adjacent to but slightly beyond theoperating station where provision is made for automatically actuatingcontrols ofeach press to cause the presser head to move against the buckinto pressing relationship therewith.

In the prior art presses, valve controls were provided on each press andarranged to be operated by various means, such as cams mounted on thefloor or upon supports which were engaged by appropriate mechanisms onthe presses, as each press moved past a predetermined station, to injectair into the air motors of that press. The press was then closedautomatically and then remained closed as long as air was continued tobe supplied during the course of travel of the press around its circularpath of motion. At a predetermined station, known as the openingstation, appropriate valve controls on each press were provided, andarranged to be actuated by other cams or other mechanisms, such astimers, so as to release the air line pressure to permit the press toopen, and thus be in an open position when it again reaches the operatorstation. In the usual prior art machines, the bucks and heads of thepressers are continuously heated by incoming steam which enters throughthe steam line and the condensate is continuously or periodicallywithdrawn through the condensate return line.

It is within this class of pressing machines that the inventionhereinafter described constitutes improvements. For purposes ofillustration, but not by way of limitation there is herein illustrated arotary pressing machine resembling that shown in the Patent 2,669,044.

Referring to the drawings, particularly FIGURES 1 and 2, the pressingmachine includes a base plate It) which is adapted to be placed orbolted upon the floor II or base on which the pressing machine has beeninstalled. Upon the plate It there is mounted a central stationarytubular pivot housing 12. The pivot housing 12 serves to support asuitable bearing retainer 19 for retaining the pilot bearings 13. Thepilot bearings may be of a suitable ball or a sleeve type which aremounted within the annular main flange 16 of the circular rotary frameplate 17. The bearing 18 isusually constructed to serve as a thrusthearing so as to receive any weight load that may be present at thecenter of the rotary frame 17.

The plate 17 is preferably of circular shape and near its peripheralportions it is reinforced by concentric ring channels 20 and 2,1. Theaforementioned main flange may be welded to the inner periphery of thering channel 21 and the outer periphery may be welded to the centralopening of the main frame 17. V

A. plurality of curved plate sections 39 which are bolted to the mainflange 16 extend radially inwardly to rest or be appropriately securedto the bearing structure 18. Through the aforementioned structure theturntable is mounted to rotate about the stationary pivot housing 12.

A plurality of radial stiffening webs (not shown) extend between thering channels 20 and 21 to reinforce the rotary frame plate. Secured tothe inner periphery of the outer ring channel 20 are a plurality ofwheels 22. Greater rigidity is provided by placing two or more of thewheels 22 under each of the presses. where they. are mounted upon therotary frame plate 1:7- so that the plate is braced against vibrationdue to the opening and closing of the presses. The wheels 22 may haverubber tires, if desired, and the wheels 22 may run directly upon thefloor 11 when the floor has sufficient evenness. However, whereinstallation ismade on a rough or uneven floor 11 it is preferable toplace a circular metal track 24 along the path where the wheels 22.track.

Using a narrow track of appropriate height and the pivot housing of thisinvention presents'a considerable advantage over prior structures sincethe steam supply and condensate return lines may be extended throughappropriate apertures formed in said track and thus alleviate thenecessity of digging a pit beneath the central portion of the rotaryframe in order to connect the aforementioned lines to the central pivotportion of the turntable. Further, it is mentioned that the axis of eachof the wheels 22 is transverse to and extends radially from the centralpivot axis 12. V

For rotating the rotary frame 17 and all the elements carried thereon,there is provided a belt 25 which may be a chain belt, as shown inFIGURE 1, which passes over a pulley 26 that is mounted upon a radialarm 27, the arm being pivoted at 28 to the floor. An adjustment screw 30mounted in the stationary bracket 31 is positioned so as to bear againstthe arm 27 and move it arcuately and thus. permit tightening orloosening of the belt 25. The belt 25 also runs over the drive pulley32. The pulley 32 rotates at a slower speed and is preferably driven byan electric motor 34 through a gear box. It is preferable to use a motor34 which is capable of speed variations, such as a wound-rotor repulsioninduction motor, a shunt type direct current motor or the like. It isperfectly feasible to utilize an air driven motor 34 of constant orvariable speed where such is desired. The On-Off, and the speed controlsfor motor 34 for controlling speeds and operation thereof, and theEmergency control are on a control panel 46 which forms a vertical fenceat the left of the terminating edge 38 of the operators station 37.Rotation of the frame plate is in the direction of the arrow 35 and therotation of the drive pulley is in the direction of arrow 36.

Upon the rotary base 17 there are mounted a plurality of pressingmachines generally designated 1, 2, 3, and 4 in FIGURES 1 and 2. Anysuitable number of pressing machines greater than one may be utilized,depending upon the size and capacity of the unit and the type of workdesired to be done by means of the installation. Four pressing machinesare shown in the illustrated embodiment of the invention and are spacedevenly around the frame plate 17. An operator station indicated by thefloor pad 37 extends through approximately onequarter of the circularpath of motion of the floor plate 17 and presses 1-4 mounted thereon.Adjacent the terminating edge 38 of the operator station there isprovided a protective guard 40 which likewise extends throughapproximately one-quarter of the path of rotation of floor plate 17 andthe presses mounted thereon. The guard 40 roughly defines the positionof the press at the closing station, it being understood that the guardextends somewhat ahead of and behind the position at which the pressesclose at the closing station and is sufiiciently high so as toadequately safeguard any person from introducing members of their bodyinto the press while the press is closing. From the termination of theclosing press, which is at the position approximately shown by press 4in FIGURE 1 and continuing in the direction of the arrows 35, there is aportion of the path of motion during which the pressing part of thecycle takes place. During this portion of the cycle the pressing head isclosed down upon the buck and is held down (closed) as long as line airpressure is maintained on the air motor of the press. The openingstation is between the position in which press 2 is shown in FIGURE 1,which is still closed, and the leading edge 41 of the operators station.At the opening station each press is opened by discontinuing theapplication of line air pressure and exhausting the air motor of thepress, whereupon the press will be opened by its springs as is wellknown.

The presses 1-4 (or any number which are mounted upon the rotary floorplate 17) may be of any desired individually power driven presses.Present day presses are usually air driven and in the embodiment of theinvention herein illustrated, presses 1-4 are of the type shown inPatent Re. 22,041, although it is to be understood that any suitable oneor two cylinder press, or other power driven press may be utilized.Thus, for example, the presses 1-4 can be single cylinder air drivenpresses of which the type shown in Patent 2,265,449 is exemplary, orthey can be multiple air cylinder presses.

in FIGURE 2, each of the pressing machines includes a press frame 52which is suitably attached to the circular revolving frame plate 17. Thetype of press herein illustrated is a two-cylinder press. On the frame52 there is mounted a stationary buck 54 and a presser arm 55 which ispivoted at 56. The presser arm carries a presser head 57 which ismovable from an open position (as shown for press 1 at the left inFIGURE 2), to a closed position (as shown for press 4 at the right inFIGURE 2). The movement of the press from open to closed positon andfrom closed to open position is accomplished by means of an air or otherfluid motor means. In the present instance the air motor 58, 62 thatactuates the presser head operates as set forth hereinafter.

Air is introduced from the overhead air pressure supply pipe 76 throughthe stationary connection 71, rotary gland 72, and rotary air line150-154 to the air manifold 80, the operation of which will be describedhereinafter. From the air manifold the air passes through thedistributing air line 157 to a closing cylinder 58 and squeezingcylinder 62, said cylinders being mounted on the presser frame(schematically shown in FIGURE 2). Air so introduced causes the pressingmachine linkages 55, 56, 58, and 59 to effectuate closing and thensqueezing of the presser head 57 against the buck 54. The press remainsclosed until such time as the valve 84 cuts off air flow communicationfrom the air distributing line 157 and establishes air fiowcommunication between the cylinders 58, 62 through intermediate line 157and exhaust line (not shown). At this time air is exhausted fromcylinder 58, s2 and the press opens under action of springs (not shown).The control for supplying and exhausting air from the aforementionedcylinders is described hereinafter.

In Patent Re. 22,041, which explains the operation of presses of thistype, the air cylinders for operating the press are energized throughtwo-hand control valves that are (in the case of a single pressingmachine) located near the front of the pressing machine on the worktable beneath the bucks. In the present invention these two valves(corresponding to the two-hand control valves) are located at 75 and 76near the base of the press (as in Patent 2,669,044) and when they areautomatically operated by the cams, air under pressure is introducedfrom the air manifold for operating the press. Valves 75 and 76 arenormally closed but both are opened by actuation of the cams 77 and 78(at station 42) to allow air under pressure to pass from thedistribution line 157 through suitable intermediate fluid connectionline 157 to the air motors 58, 62 of the press thus causing closing andthen squeezing of the pressing head 57 against buck 54.

Thus, as each press reaches the closing station 42 the cams 77 and 78,mounted on pedestal 79, cause actuation of the valves 75 and 76 andappropriate press controls and the presser head 57 closes upon the buck54. The continued rotation of the frame 17 carries the then closed pressin the direction of arrow 35 and the pressing action takes place untilthe operation controls of the press are brought adjacent the openingstation 45 where a single cam which is mounted under an opening stationcover 45, actuates the operating stem of the opening valve 84, which inturn actuates the intermediate controls so as to allow the press to openunder action of the springs (not shown).

The thus opened press continues around through the operator station 37.The operator removes the pressed garment and lays a fresh unpressed ordamp garment on the buck while the rotation is continued; or twooperators, if desired, may be at the operating station 37, one to removethe garments and another to put the unpressed garments on the buck. Thethen open press with the unpressed garment on the buck continues aroundto the closing station 42 where closure of the press is occasioned aspreviously described.

Each of the presses 1-4 of the rotary pressing machine is thereforeprovided with a set of closing valves (or actuators) corresponding to 75and 76 and with an open- 1ng or release valve (or actuator)corresponding to valve 84. These may be located at any convenient placeon the press or on the rotary frame 17. For example, they may be locatedin the from lower left portion of each press as illustrated in thepresent exemplified form of the in vention or at any place on therotating frame 17 or parts movable therewith so that the valves may beoperated by stationary stops or cams as the presses move along theircircular paths of motion. Valves '75, 76 and 84 may be located on theframe 17 so as to be within the confines of the circular ring channel 21so as to be operated by cams thereunder as shown in Patent 2,632,- 965.The criterion is to have each press closed after it has reached a safelocation within a prescribed space (as within the guard 40). The closingcams are located accordingly. The criterion is also to have each pressopen as 1t comes to the operation station and the opening cam is locatedaccordingly. The foregoing controls are described in greater detail inPatent 2,669,044 and Re. 22,- 041. It is to be understood that anysuitable controls for the presses 1-4 inclusive may be utilized,depending upon the style of the press, and that the specificillustration herein given is therefore only exemplary.

in such pressing machines of the nature described, fluid connections arerequired for conducting three fluids between the stationary floor andthe rotary pressing machine turntable and the presses carried thereby.These fluids are (1) air, for actuating the press operating motors, (2)steam, for heating the pressure heads and bucks, and (3) steamcondensate return. Since these fluids must all pass from a stationarylocation to a rotary location this has necessitated concentric pipes andglands, of which one type is shown in Patent 2,497,128. Such concentricpipe gland devices are expensive to build and sometimes difficult tomaintain. Accordingly the present invention has been made to userelatively inexpensive rotary gland structure and connections which arerelatively easy to maintain.

A typical operation of the rotary pressing machine and the individualpresses having been described, the rotary gland and manifold means 90 ofthis invention for conducting the three fluids between the stationaryfluid pipes, the air supply pipe 70, the steam supply pipe 65, and thecondensate steam pipe 60 and the respective rotating individual pressconnecting or distributing lines 157, 164, and 165 will now bedescribed. As previously set forth, the base plate which is secured tothe floor 11 by bolts 14 has a stationary vertical tubular pivot housing12 mounted thereon. The stationary pivot housing extends upwardlythrough the central aperture 23 formed in the turntable 17 to anelevation above the manifolds 80, 9'1, and 92, said manifolds being theair manifold, the steam manifold, and the condensate return manifoldrespectively, which are mounted on the rotary turntable 17 andconcentric with said pivot housing 12.

An elbow plug 98 which forms a tight seal with the inner periphery ofthe wall of the housing 12 is mounted in the bottom portion of saidhousing to seal the lower end thereof. An aperture is formed in thelower vertical portion of the tubular housing so that a right angleelbow 97 may be secured therein for fluidly connecting the horizontallyextending opening formed in the plug to the condensate return pipe so.

A vertical well 63 extends from the top surface of the plug to theaforementioned opening, said well having a shoulder 93 therein. Theperipheral surface of the well and the shoulder are concentric to thetubular housing. A hollow stationary condensate return tube 61 has itslower end mounted in the well such that the horizontal edge portionrests on the shoulder 93A and forms a tight .seal therewith. Thusprovision is made for conducting condensate from the tube 61 through theelbow plug 98,

the elbow 97 and outwardly through the condensate rev turn pipe 60. Itis to be noted thatthe outer diameter of the tube 61 is smaller than theinner diameter of the housing 12 so that an annular space 99 is formedin said housing.

The housing 12 has a base pipe aperture 102 formed therein at anelevation slightly higher than the elbow 97 and at right angles to theelbow aperture. A coupling attachment 100 having a central openingtherethrough is welded to the housing so that the axis of said openingcoincides with the axis of the aperture 102. The coupling 101 which isfitted in the coupling attachment 100 fluidly connects the steam supplypipe 65 to the annular space 99. Both the condensate return pipe 60 andthe steam pipe extend radially outwardly from the housing 12 throughappropriate apertures formed in the track 24.

An elongated rotary gland, generally designated 105, is connected in theupper end portion 95 of the stationary pivot housing 12 to extend in avertical direction and to be rotated in the direction of arrow 35. Therotary gland has a hollow shaft portion 106 that is threaded in theupper end portion 95 of the aformentioned housing 12.

The hollow stationary shaft 106 when threaded in the upper end portion95 of the stationary housing 12 has a common axis with the tube 61 andsaid stationary pivot housing. Thus the annular space 99 having the samedimensions as those in the pivot housing is extended upwardly into therotary gland.

The shaft 106 has an enlarged diametrical portion 106a that forms ashoulder on which the ball bearings 109, spacer 111, and bearings 110are mounted. An appropriate peripheral groove is formed in the upperportion of the shaft so that the bearing retainer 113 may be mountedtherein to hold the aforementioned bearings and spacer tightly againstthe shoulder 106a.

A bellows assembly, generally designated 103, is mounted on the shaft106. The bellows assembly includes an internally threaded lock nut 116that is threaded on the upper end of the hollow shaft 106, a bellows 128that at one end is secured to the lock nut to depend therefrom and anannular member to which the opposite side of the bellows is attached.The annular member abuts against a seal ring 114 which is positioned onthe hollow shaft intermediate said annular member and the bearings. Thusby tightening the lock nut, the bellows is forced downwardly against theannular member 115 which in turn is forced downwardly against the sealring 114 to press against the bearings. The seal ring in beingcompressed between the bearings and the annular member expands radiallyto form a tight seal between the enlarged diametrical portion 112f ofthe rotary gland housing 112 and the shaft, the inner peripheral wall ofsaid portion 112 forming a close fit with the outer peripheral wall ofthe bearings and the seal ring for rotatab-ly mounting said housing onsaid shaft.

The rotary gland housing 112 is of a generally cylindrical shape havingthe aforementioned enlarged diametrical portion 112f. The enlargeddiametrical portion has female threads 112a in the lower end thereof anda shoulder 112s in the upper portion thereof. The lock nut 107 isthreaded into the female threaded end portion 112a to retain thebearings, the spacer, and the seal ring in position against the shoulder1120. The central aperture of the lock nut 107 has an inner diameterslightly larger than the outer dimensions of the shaft 106 such that itmay be threaded thereover.

An appropriate lubrication aperture is formed in the peripheral wall ofthe housing to extend into the space between the bearings 110 and 109 sothat the bearings may be lubricated. A lubrication plug 108 is providedto be threaded in the lubrication aperture.

The rotary gland housing has a portion 112g of a reduced inner diameterwhich extends upwardly above shoulder 1120 to an elevation above the topend portion of the condensate tube 61 and encloses an annular space 123between said tube and the inner peripheral wall thereof. In the upperend of the portion 112g, an aperture that extends through the peripheralwall thereof and the flange 112d formed integral unto said wall, extendsinto the aforementioned annular space. The flexible metal steam hose 126has a reduced coupling 125 secured to the end portion thereof, saidreducer coupling being threadedly connected in the internally threadedflange 112d. Thus a fluid channel is formed from the steam supply pipe65 upwardly through the annular space 99 into the chamber 123 and thenoutwardly through the aperture in flange 112d into the flexible steamhose 126. As may be noted, the pivot housing 12 and the shaft 106 arestationary whereas the rotary gland housing 112 rotates, thus providinga rotary connection between the steam supply pipe 65 and the flexiblesteam line 126.

The top wall portion 112s of the rotary gland housing having a dependingflange 112k integrally formed therewith has a vertical aperture 112extending through the central portion of said flange and the top wall112a The top portion of the condensate tube 61 extends upwardly throughthe vertical aperture 112h formed in said depending flange, the top wall112e, and the aperture 11212 in the outwardly extending flange 112 whichis formed integral with the top Wall portion. The portion of thevertical aperture extending from the top wall portion 112e outwardly isenlarged so that packing rings 119 and a packing nut 121) may be mountedbetween the inner peripheral walls forming said vertical aperture andthe outer peripheral wall of the aforementioned tube 61. The packing nut120 has male threaded portions 120a so that the packing nut may bethreadedly connected to the internally threaded portion of the outwardextending flange 112].

A right angle condensate return elbow 121 having a female threadedportion is threadedly connected to the male threaded portion of theoutward extending flange 112 Threadedly connected in the portion of thecondensate return elbow which is at right angles to the tube 61 arereducer couplings 124, the end of the reducer couplings opposite theelbow being secured to one end of the flexible metal condensate hose127. As the rotary gland housing 105 rotates, the elbow 12 1 is rotatedwhile the packing rings 1 19 and packing nuts 120 form a fluid sealbetween said housing and the tube 61. The aforementioned elements form arotary connection between the stationary condensate return pipe 60 whichextends into the plug 98 and the rotary tube 61, and forms a fluidchannel from said condensate return hose through the condensate returnelbow 121 and tube 61 into the plug 98 and out the condensate returnpipe 60.

The rotary gland structure having been described, the

structure connecting the rotary gland structure to the individualpresses will now be set forth. As previously mentioned, three stackeddoughnut shaped manifolds 80, 91, and 92 are mounted on the turntables17 such that they are concentric with the pivot housing 12 and therotary gland 105. Since each of the manifolds is of a similar structure,only the air manifold 80 will be described in detail i The air manifold80 has a hollowed out central portion to form an enclosed doughnutshaped space 133. Formed integral with the outer periphery of themanifold is a boss 134 having a central aperture 135 extending into thedoughnut shaped space. is perpendicular to a tangent drawn to theperipheral wall of the doughnut shaped space. The aforementioned boss134 is internally threaded so that a short horizontal tubular section157 may be threaded therein.

Formed integral with the inner peripheral wall of the doughnut or torusshaped manifold are a plurality of spaced ofisets 138, said ofisetshaving vertical holes 139 formed therein. On the outer peripheral wallof the manifold are a plurality of spaced bosses 140 (see FIG- URE 4).The spaced bosses 140 are set approximately The central axis of theaperture 1 t 10 at an angle of to each other, when there ar four pressesmounted on the turntable. Of course, it is to be realized that if morethan four presses were to be used on the same rotary turntable 17, thenan additional number of bosses may be formed in the manifold; similarlyif a fewer number of presses were to be used, then some of the bossesmay have plus threaded therein or else a manifoldhaving fewer bosses maybe used. Each of the bosses 140 has a central threaded aperture 141formed therein similarly as the central aperture was formed in boss.134.

After the manifolds are placed in a stacked relationship. to one anotherand mounted concentric to the pivot housing 12, the condensate returnmanifold '92 being on the bottom and the air manifold 80 being on thetop, the bolts 143 are inserted through the holes 139 formed in theoffsets 138 of each of the manifolds, said bolts being threaded intoappropriate apertures formed in the main flange 16 or otherwise securedthereto. It is to be noted in FIGURE 4, that when the manifolds aresecured in the aforementioned stacked relationship, the bosses 134formed therein are also one above the other while the bosses are spacedor ofiset from one another and from the bosses 134. Further, the boss134 of the steam manifold is set approximately 120 relative to the boss134 of the condensate manifold. The bosses have been formed in themanifolds in the aforementioned manner to facilitate making appropriateconnections between said manifolds andthe individual presses. Due to theafore mentioned mounting of the manifolds, said manifolds will bestationary relative to the plurality of presses 14 inclusive mounted onthe turntable.

Air is supplied to each of the four presses from the overhead air supplypipe 70 through the fluid path set forth hereinafter. From the supplypipe, air flows through coupling 71, rotary gland 72 and then throughpipe 150, coupling @151, and elbow 152, to the elongated flexible pipe153. From the elongated pipe 153 the air flows through a right angleelbow 152 and into the reducer coupling 154 which opens into thedoughnut shaped aperture 133 where the air is distributed to theindividual presses. A J-shaped bracket 156 having an appropriateaperture formed in the long horizontal arm thereof is secured to the topof the stack of manifolds by the bolt 143 which is inserted through saidaperture. The long arm of the bracket extends in an outward radialdirection and has an aperture formed in the opposite end thereof and inthe short arm of the J which is parallel thereto The pipe 153 isinserted through the last two mentioned apertures 155.

A purpose of using the aforementioned J -bracket is to help relieve thestresses on the couplings 154 which are developed when the turntable andgland 1095 are rotated. Also in conjunction with the J-shaped bracket#156, the flexible elongated pipe 153 helps alleviate any straindeveloped inthe rotary gland and the manifold-from the rotation of theturntable with respect to the stationary supply pipe 70.

From the doughnut shaped aperture 153, the air flows radially outwardthrough the central apertures formed in the bosses 140 and into thedistributing or connecting air lines 157 which places said bosses influid communication with the individual presses. From the connecting airline 157, the air flows to the valves 75 and 76 to operate the cylinders58, 62 when said valves are opened.

The fluid connection from the air supply to the presses having been setforth, the fluid connections from the steam supply to the presses willnow be described. However, prior to describing the fluid line from thesteam supply pipe to the pressm, the structure interconnecting therotary gland 105 with the steam manifold 91 will be set forth. A shorthorizontal tube 96 extending radially outward from the boss 134 of thesteam manifold 91 is threaded in said boss. A right angle elbow 160 isconnected to the opposite end of the short tube from the boss 134, theopposite leg of the elbow having a short vertical tube 161 threadedtherein. Threadedly connected to the top end portion of the verticaltube 161 is a right angle elbow 160, said elbow having an appropriatecoupling 162 threaded in the opposite leg thereof. To the opposite endof the coupling from the elbow there is connected the flexible metalsteam hose 126.

As may be noted in FIGURE 4 the short flexible steam hose 126 whichinterconnects the coupling 162 and the reducer coupling 125 is slightlycurved. By curving the hose in the manner illustrated, which is in thedirection of rotation of the machine, the amount of strain transmittedtherethrough to the rotary glands is minimized.

the shock or strain to the rotary gland structure which develops fromany eccentricity in the elements forming the fluid connections betweenthe rotating members and the stationary members interconnecting thefluid supply pipes to the individual presses and any unevenness in therotation of the turntable relative to the rotary gland is importantsince the life of the fluid seals formed in said gland is decreased byany shock or strain thereto.

By providing the concentric tube 61 and tubular housing 12 with a rotarygland 105 connected thereto and interconnecting said rotary gland to thesteam manifold through the above described structure the eccentricity ofthe tube or the rotary frame relative to the stationary connections willbe compensated for through the flexible hose connection. A closetolerance of concentricity and means for taking up any eccentricity isdesired for maximum life and performance of the unit. In other words therotary gland is to be connected to the manifold through a flexible hosethat takes up any eccentricity.

By using the flexible hose a minimum bending radius may be used while atthe same time expensive connections and parts are not necessary tointerconnect the totary gland to manifolds that are mounted on therotary frame. The flexible hose will absorb the shock or straindeveloped as a result of the eccentricity and usually will tear or breakwhen the rotary gland freezes, it being cheaper to replace the flexiblehose than the rotary gland.

The steam is conducted to the individual presses through the fluidchannel which extends from the steam supply line 66 into the annularspace 99 contained between the tube 61 and the pivot housing 12 andthence upwardly into the hollow chamber 123 in the rotary gland 105.From the hollow chamber 123, the steam passes outwardly through theflexible hose 126 and thence through pipe connections 162, 169, and 161and through tube 96 into the doughnut shaped space 133 in the steammanifold 91. From the steam manifold, the steam flows outwardly throughthe appropriately spaced bosses 140 into the individual steam connectinglines 164 to the individual pressing units for heating the appropriatePresser members.

The steam channel to the individual presses having been set forth, thecondensate return line connection or fluid channel from the individualpresses to the condensate return pipe 65 will now be described. Beforedescribing the structure interconnecting the presses and the condensatereturn pipe 65, the structure connecting the rotary gland to thecondensate return manifold will first be set forth.

The structure interconnecting the rotary gland 105 and the condensatereturn manifold 92 is very similar to the structure interconnecting therotary gland and the steam manifold, and performs a similar function;therefore, it will not be described in detail. The condensate collectedin the presser heads is returned through a condensate connecting line165 which interconnects the individual presses to the appropriatelyspaced bosses 134 formed in the condensate manifold 92. At thecondensate manifold, the condensate from the individual presses iscollected and flows outwardly through the boss 134mm the horizontal tube166 and thence through the T-joint 167 which had a plug in one legthereof and then upwardly through the short vertical pipe 168. The plugpro vides means for draining the condensate from the system when theunit is shut down. As may be readily apparent, the short vertical pipe163 is longer than the short vertical pipes 161, this being necessarysince the condensate return manifold is located beneath or at the bottomof the stack of manifolds and is connected to the top condensatereturnelbow 121 which is located above the steam boss 112d formed in therotary gland. From the short vertical pipe 168, the condensate returnsthrough the elbow 169 and coupling 176 into the short flexible hose 127which functions similar to hose 126. From the flexible hose 127, thecondensate passes inwardly through the rotary gland elbow 121 and thendownwardly through the tube 61, plug 598 and outwardly to the condensatereturn pipe 6%.

It may be noted in FIGURE 3, a steam trap is provided in the condensatereturn line adjacent the presses to prevent the steam backing up throughthe condensate line. Also it is to be noted that the elevation of thepresser bucks and presser heads is higher than the elevation of the topportion of the rotary gland, thus insuring that the condensate from thepresscr heads and bucks will flow from said members through thecondensate return fluid channel to the condensate return pipe.

The preferred embodiment of the invention having been set forth, amodified embodiment thereof will now be described. Basically thestructure of the modified embodiment is the same as that of thepreferred embodiment except for the differences set forth hereinafter.In the modified embodiment, the rotary turntable 17 has an annular track200 secured to the outer bottom peripheral portion thereof. Theaforementioned track 209 is spaced above the floor 11 and is rotatablysupported in that position by a plurality of spaced wheels 201 which arejournaled for rotation in channel irons 202, said channel irons beingsecured to the floor 11 by a bolt or other appropriate means.

Each of the wheels 261 is journaled for rotation in the channel iron 202by a shaft 206 which extends through a central aperture of the wheel andis mounted in the aperture 203 formed in each vertical leg of thechannel iron. A bushing 204 may be mounted on the shaft 206 on eitherside of the wheel and to retain the wheel spaced from the vertical legsof the channel iron. Appropriate means such as hubs 205 having setscrews therein are provided on either end of the shaft to retain saidshaft in position in the channel iron mounting structure.

One of the advantages to be derived from using the modified embodimentis that no apertures have to be cut in the track or in the floor forextending the steamline and condensate return pipes to the centralportion of the rotary turntable. In other words, the steam supply pipe65 of the condensate return pipe 60 may pass intermediate a pair ofspaced channel irons 202 and thus run along the floor and beneath therotary track 200 to be connected to the tubular housing 12.

As many apparently different embodiments of this in-' vention may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it is to beunderstood that we do not limit ourselves to the specific embodimentsherein.

What We claim is:

1. In a rotary pressing machine having a frame mounted for rotationabout a fixed axis on a stationary base, said frame having thereon aplurality of separate presses, each having cooperating pressing elementsat least one of which is a steam heated element, a stationary steampipe, a stationary condensate return line, and power means connected tosaid pressing elements and controls therefor, for moving one of saidpressing elements into pressing engagement with the other pressingelement, the improvement comprising vertical concentric steam'andcondensate pipes which are fluidly connected to said steam pipe andcondensate, return pipe, a rotary gland having means for being mountedon said vertical concentric pipes and forming two fluid channelstherein, a plurality of annular manifolds fluidly connected to saidrotary gland, said manifolds being mounted on the frame coaxially withthe rotary gland, a branch feeder extending from one of said manifoldsto each heated pressing element of said presses for supplying steam tosaid ele-. ment to heat the heated pressing element and a connectingline from each steam heated element to a second of said manifolds forreturning the condensate.

2. In the rotary pressing machine having a central upright tubularpivot, a rotary frame mounted for rotation on said pivot, and having aplurality of separate presses mounted at intervals around said frame,each of said presses having a cooperating steam heated pressing head andbuck, a stationary pressure steam pipe, a stationary condensate returnpipe, and motor means connected to said pressing head for moving it intoand out of engagement with the buck, the improvement comprising firstand second fluid channel means for conducting steam to the individualpresses from the steam pipe and returning condensate from saidindividual presses to the condensate return pipe, said first and secondfluid channel means including a tube arranged coaxially in respect tosaid tubular pivot, a rotary gland having at least two separate fluidpassageways, first and second manifolds mounted on said rotary frame, aflexible fluid line forming a portion of the first channel meansconnecting one of the fluid passageways of the rotary gland to the firstmanifold and a second flexible fluid line forming a portion of thesecond channel means connecting another of the fluid passageways of therotary gland to the second manifold means.

3. The combination of claim 2 further characterized inthat means areprovided for rotatably supporting the outer peripheral portion of theframe, and the stationary steam pipe and condensate return pipe areextended through said means at an elevation between the floor and theframe.

4. The combination of claim 2 further characterized in that the motormeans includes an air motor and that there is provided a stationary airsupply pipe and a third fluid channel means for fluidly connecting theair motor to the air supply pipe, said third channel means including anair rotary gland, an air manifold mounted coaxially in respect to thecentral pivot, an air connecting line connected at one end to the airrotary gland and at the other end to the air manifold and airdistributing lines extending from said air manifold to the individualpresses.

5. The combination of claim 4 further characterized in that the air,first and second manifolds have a hollow central portion coaxial withthe pivot and that said mani folds are mounted in stacked relation onthe rotary frame.

6. The combination of claim 2 further characterized in that the firstand second fluid lines include short metal hoses curved slightly in adirection opposite the direction of rotation of the frame.

7. For mounting on a floor, a pressing machine having a rotary turntableupon which are mounted a plurality of presses that are moved insuccession past an operator station, a closing station, then through apress ing zone and an opening station and then again through saidoperator station and in which said presses each have a heated pressingelement including a buck, a presser head mounted for movement toward andaway from said buck, motor means for moving said head against said buckand holding said head against the buck, a closing control and an openingcontrol for each press, a plurality of stationary fluid supply pipes,each of said fluid supply pipes having one end portion adjacent the axisof rotation of the turntable, a plurality of fluid connecting linesextending from each press inwardly to a position adjacent the axis ofrotation of said turntable,

rotary gland and manifold means mounted coaxially with" mentioned meansincluding a circular track secured to;

the turntable, said track being fixedly connected to said turntable andspaced above a floor and spaced means stationarily mountable on a floorfor rotatably supporting said track.

8. A pressing machine having a rotary turntable upon which are mounted aplurality of presses which are moved in succession past an operatorstation, a closing station, then through a pressing zone and an openingstation and then again through said operator station and in which saidpresses each have a heated pressing element including a buck, a presserhead mounted for movement toward and away from said buck, motor meansfor moving said head against said buck and hold; ing said head againstthe buck, a closing control and an opening control for each press, atleast one stationary fluid supply line, said supply line having an endportion adjacent the axis of rotation of the turntable, at least onefluid connecting line extending from each press inwardly to a positionadjacent the axis of rotation of said turntable, a rotary gland mountedcoaxially with the axis of rotation of the turntable, said rotary glandhaving at least one fluid channel extending therethrough, means forrotatably mounting said rotary gland and fluidly connecting said fluidchannel to the stationary fluid supply line, at least one manifoldmounted on the turntable to rotate therewith and coaxially with saidturntable, said manifold being fluidly connected through a separateconnecting line to each press, and flexible means for fluidly connectingsaid fluid channel to the manifold.

9. A pressing machine of claim 8 further character ized in that themotor means is an air motor, and that the rotary gland and manifoldmeans includes an air manifold mounted on the turntable, that there isprovided an overhead air supply line, an air rotary gland.

connected to said'supply line coaxi-ally with the axis of rotation ofthe turntable, anda fluid line interc0nnect-' ing saidair rotary glandand the air manifold, said last mentioned fluid line having a transversecross sectional portion located a substantial distance radiallyoutwardly from the turntable axis of rotation. i

10. The machine of claim 9 further characterized in.

that each of the manifolds is a generally torus shaped manifold mountedon the turntable, said manifolds being mounted in stacked relation.

11. The machine of claim 8 further characterized in that the rotaryturntable has a central aperture formed therein, that the manifold is anannular manifold, the means rotatably mounting the rotary gland is astationary housing of a height to extend upwardly above said annularmanifold, said stationary housing having at least one fluid channelwhich is connected to the respective stationary fluid supply line andthat said rotary gland is mounted on the upper portion of saidstationary housing.

12. A pressing machine having a rotary turntable upon which are mounteda plurality of presses which are moved in succession past an operatorstation, a closing station, and through a pressing zone and an openingstation and then again through said operator station and and in whichsaid presses each have a heated pressing element including a buck, apresser head mounted for movement toward and away from said buck, motormeans for moving said head against said buck and holding said headagainst said buck, a closing control and an open control for each press,a plurality of stationary fluid supply lines, each of said fluid supplylines having an end portion adjacent the axis of rotation of theturntable, a plurality of fluid connecting lines extending from eachpress inwardly to a position adjacent the axis of rotation of saidturntable, rotary gland and manifold means mounted coaxially with theaxis of rotation of said turntable for fluidly connecting the connectinglines to the appropriate stationary fluid supply line, said rotary glandand manifold means including a plurality of manifolds, a rotary glandhaving at least two fluid channels formed therein, an interconnectingfluid line connecting one of the fluid channels of the rotary gland toone of the manifolds, a second interconnecting line connecting a secondfluid channel to a second manifold, each of said interconnecting fluidlines having an outwardly extending portion connected at one end to oneof the rotary gland rfluid channels, a transversely extending portionhaving one end connected to the opposite end of outwardly extendingportion, and an inwardly extending portion having one end connected tothe opposite end of the transversely extending portion and an oppositeend connected to a manifold.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 further characterized in that one of theaforementioned portions of each interconnecting line is made of aflexible hose.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 further characterized in that one of theaforementioned portions of each interconnecting line is a short hosecurved in a direction opposite the direction of rotation of theturntable.

15. A pressing machine having a rotary turntable upon which are mounteda plurality of presses that are moved in succession past an operatorstation, a closing station, then through a pressing zone and an openingstation, and then again through a pressing zone and an opening station,and then againtthrough said operator station and in which said presseseach have a heated presser element including a buck, a presser headmounted for movement toward and away from said buck, motor means formoving said head against said buck and holding said head against saidbuck, a closing control and an opening control for each press, at leastone stationary fluid supply line, said supply line having an end portionadjacent the axis of rotation of the turntable, at least one fluidconnecting line extending from each press to a position adacent the axisof rotation of the turntable, a stationary housing for rotatablymounting a rotary gland and fluidly connecting said gland to thestationary fluid line, at least one annular manifold mounted on theturntable to have a central axis thereof coaxial with the axis ofrotation of the turntable, said manifold being fluidly connected througha connecting line to each press, and a fluid line connecting said rotarygland to said manifold.

16 16. A rotary pressing machine comprising a rotary frame havingthereon a plurality of presses each of which has a buck and a presserhead, the latter being mounted for pressing movement toward and awayfrom a press open position in which the presser head is away from thebuck and a press close position in which the presser head is against thebuck, each press including motor means connected to the presser head formoving said presser head, control means for said motor means having aplurality of positions, control operator means responsive to themovement of the frame for moving said control means sequentially to aposition in which said motor means is actuated to a press open positionand a position in which said motor means is actuated to a press closeposition, fluid connecting lines extending inwardly from each press to apoint adjacent the axis of rotation of the turntable, a plurality ofseparate fluid supply lines extending inwardly to a point adjacent theaxis of rotation of said press, rotary gland and manifold m a mountedcoaxially with the axis of rotation of said rotary frame for fluidlyconnecting the connecting lines to the respective stationary supplylines, said rotary gland and manifold means including a steam manifold,a condensate return manifold, a rotary gland having at least two fluidchannels formed therein, each of said fluid channels being connected toa separate stationary supply line, a generally U-shaped fluid lineconnecting one of said fluid channels to the steam manifold and a secondgenerally U-shaped fluid line connecting a second fluid channel to acondensate return manifold, each of said U-shaped fluid lines includinga generally vertical leg and a flexible hose extended through agenerally horizontal plane,

17. The apparatus of claim 1 further characterized in that saidvertically concentric pipes are of a height to extend upwardly throughsaid manifold and that said manifold has a central aperture of adiameter to be in spaced relation to said concentric pipes.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS2,556,477 Leef June 12, 1951 2,662,315 Leef Dec. 15, 1953 2,669,044Maxwell et al. Feb. 16, 1954 2,854,769 Langen et al. Oct. 7, 19582,867,923 Langen Jan. 13, 1959 UNITED STATES PATENTOFFICE I CERTIFICATEOF CORRECTION Patent No 3,,OOl 304 I September 2.6V 1961 I William M,Turner et a1 It is hereby certified that error ap pears in the abovenumbered patent requiring correction and that the said Letter s Patentshould read as corrected below.

Column 2 line 53 for "flood" read floor column hline 48 for"distribution" read distributing Signed and sealed this 3rd day of April1962;,

(SEAL) Attest;

RNEST W. SWIDER DAVID L. LADD Attesting Ufficer I Commissioner ofPatents

